Can-filling machine.



SHEET 1.

F. G. DIGKBRSON.

CAN FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 20, 1911. 1,1 17,346, Patented Nov. 17

10 SHEETS- I II i P m m /0 M m 7 1 v 2 lll F. G. DIOKBRSON.

CAN FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APILZO, 1911.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

10 SHBETS SHEET 2.

F. G. DIOKERSON.

CAN FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 20. 1911 1,1 17,346. Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

10 SHEETS $HEET 3.

F. G. DICKERSON.

CAN FILLING MAUI-HNE.

1,1 1 7,346. Patented Nov. 1?, 1914.

ll) SHEETS SHEET 4.

F. G. DIGKERSON. CAN FILLING MACHINE. APPLIOATlON FILED APR.20,1911.

Patented NOV. 17, 1914.

10 SHEBTS SHEET 5.

F. G. DIOKERSON.

CAN FILLING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.20,1911.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

F. G. DICKERSON.

CAN FILIIING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.2U. 1911.

1, 1 1 7,34 6. Patented Nov. 17,1914.

10 SHEETS "SHEET 7.

Law/ F. G. DICKERSON.

CAN FILLING MACHINE.

AIPLIOATION FILED APR. 20 1911.

1,1 17,346. Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

10 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

P. G. DICKERSON.

CAN FILLING MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOR rum) APR. 20, 1911.

1,1 17,346. Patented Nov. 17, 1914.

10 SHEETBSHEBT 10.

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'1 "v A I I g. If 1? INN i \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\w.1 1 lm 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRED G. DICKERSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

CAN-FILLING MACHINE.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED G. DICKERSON, a citizen of the United States, residin at Chicago, in the county of Cook and tate of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-Filling Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in can filli machines, and more particularly to mac ines adapted to automatically till cans and the like with liquids, such as milk or other similar fluids, andone of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved machine of this character having means whereby the cans may be filled through an aperture or opening of the minimum size through the top.

A further object is to provide an improved machine of this character having means whereby the air may be extracted from the can or vessel so that the liquid may be caused to flow quickly and readily thereinto and without producing foam in the can or receptacle.

A further object isv to provide an improved filling nozzle or mechanism which is adapted to be automatically inserted into the cans and opened to discharge the liquid, and closed and withdrawn after the can is filled, and also having means whereby the nozzle will readily adjust itself to any virregularity of the can and will yield to prevent injury should the can be presented in an im roper position.

A urther object is to rovide an improved machine of this 0 aracter having means for automatically cleaning the nozzle as it is withdrawn from the can to prevent liquid from droppin from the nozzle on to u can when the nozz e is withdrawn, which dropping of the liquid would interfere with the soldering or closing of the filling opening or vent in the can.

A further object is to provide an improved valve controlled nozzle, and improved means for positively seating the valve.

A further object is to provide an improved machine of this character having positive means for imparting an initial movement to the valve after the nozzle is inserted into the can, and also means whereby the valve will be controlled by the liquid in the nozzle after such initial movement has been imparted thereto.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 20, 1911.

Patented Nov. 17, 1914. Serial No. 822,180.

A further object is to provide an improved machine of this character having means whereby the supply. of cans to the machine may be automatically controlled by the height of the liquid in the machine.

A further object is to provide an improved machine of this character which will be simple, durable and cheap in construction and effective and eflicient in operation, and in which the parts may be readily removed, and may as readily be cleaned.

To the attainment of these ends and the accomplishment of other new and useful objects, as will appear, the invention consists in the features of novelty hereinafter more fully described and claimed, and shown in the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment of the invention, and in which Figure l is a front elevation of an improved machine of this character constructed in accordance withthe principles of this invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional view on line 22, Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view on line 4-.1, Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view partly in elevation and partly in section, showing one of the filling tubes. Fig. 6 is a front elevation of a plurality of the filling tubes and nozzles partly in section, and with parts removed, showing the portion of the mechanism for positively seating the valves. Fig. 7 is a detail view partly in elevation and partly in section, of the controlling mechanism for operating the valves when the can is present under the filling nozzle, and for preventing the valve from being opened when the can is absent. Fig. 8 is a detail view partly in section and partly in elevation, taken on the line 88, Fig. 9, showing the seating mechanism for the valve. Fig. 9 is a side elevation of Fig. 8. Fig. 9" is a top plan view of one of the cap members. Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail section view of one of the filling tubes and nozzles, showing the valve seated, and with the tube filled with liquid also illustrating the position of the liquid within the tube after the tube has been cleaned by positively seating the valve. F ig. 11 is an enlarged detail sectional view of a portion of one of the filling tubes showing the position of the parts during the filling of a can. Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 showing the valve seated. Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail sectional view similar to Figs. 11 and 12, showing the valve seated and with the filling tube emptied. Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the float for controlling the supply of liquid to the machine. Fig. 15 is a side elevation of the valve carried by hefioat. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the reinforcing and supporting ring for parts of the machine. Fig. 17 is a 1 section and partly broken awayof the mechanism for advancing the cans. Fig. 21 is a detail sectional view on line 21-21, Fig. 20. Fig.22 is a detail plan view of the can ejecting mechanism. Fig. 23 is a side elevation partly in section of Fig. 22. Fig. 24-

is an enlarged detail sectional view of the discharge end of one of the nozzles showing a portion of a can in section; bottom view of the nozzle shown in Fig.24. Fig. 26 is a sectional view on line 26-26, Fig. 20. 1 I:

- Referring more particularly to the drawings, and in the present exemplification of the invention, the numeral 25 designates a support upon which the machine is mounted,

and this support is provided with journals in which is mounted an upright shaft 26, to

which is secured at any desired or suitable height above the bed of thesupport a frame 27 (see Figs. 4 and 16), and this-frame 27 is provided with a plurality of series of apertures or openings 28, 29, therethroughfor a purpose to be set forth. Mounted upon the support 25 is a bed plate 30, which is preferably of annular construction, and is secured to the support in any suitable manner to prevent rotation thereof. A plurality of filling tubes 31 are provided, the receiving end of which is enlarged, as at 32, and the extremity of this receiving end is still further enlarged, as at 33. These extremities 33 have communication with a tank 34 through the bottom of the tank, and to which bottom the ends of the tubes are secured. The portions 31' of the filling tubes pass loosely through the apertures 29 in the frame 27, and the tubes are supported andheld in position by means of the tank 34, which latter is itself supported and held in position by means of a support 34 (see Figs. 1 and 4), which support rests upon the frame 27. sired size and configuration, and the bottom thereof inclined from the periphery toward a depressed portion (see Fig. 4) located substantially at the diametric center of the tank, and leading from this depressed portion 35 is an outlet pipe or tube 36, which is Fig. 25 is a- The tank 34 may be of any decontrolled by a stop cock 37. This depressed portion 35 and the outlet pipe 36 are provided as means whereby the liquid in the tank may be removed when desired.

Thetank 34 is arranged in an inclined position with respect to the horizonta1,-so that some of the enlarged extremities 33 of the tubular member 31 will be above the level of the liquid, while the tops of the others of the enlar ed portions 33 will be submerged. The 0 ject in thus f inclining the tan isto insure that the tubular members; 31 which are in the act of filling the cans will always be supplied with a proper amount of liquid, and the tank is so inclined that the depressed portion thereof will be opposite the portion where the cans are being filled.

-The liquid is supplied to the tank 34 through a supply pipe or tube 38, the end 39 ofwhich (see Fig. 4) is preferably arranged in an upright plane, and its extremity 40 is shaped to form a valve seat. A

float 41 is provided within the tank and a .valve 42 is supported preferably by means of a suitable catch 43 (see Figs. 14 and 15), so that the valve 42 will be supported below an aperture or opening- 44 in the float and through which aperture the extremity of the end 39 of the supply pipe projects. As the supply of liquid in the tank decreases, the float 41 will be lowered, and the valve 42 moved away from the valve seat 40 to permit liquid to enter the tank. When the proper amount of liquid is within the tank, the float 41 will rise and the valve 42 will be seated uponthe valve seat 40 to shut oif the supply.

The free or lower ends of the tubular members 31 terminate in nozzles 45 which latter are referably separate from the member and a e arranged adjacent the lower extremity of the member 31 with a cushion 45 preferably in the form of an elastic gasthan the opening 85 in the top of the can 72.

A valve seat 47 (see particularly Figs. 10, 11 and 12) is formed preferably at the junction of the tubular member 31=and the enlarged portion 32, and a valve 48 is provided which cooperates with the valve seat 47 to shut oil the discharge of the liquid through the nozzle 45. As the construction and operation of each of these tubular members 31 and coiiperating' parts is the same, a description of one will apply equally as well to them all. The valve 48 is secured to a stem 49 which extends on both sides of the valve and one end 50 thereof projects into and moves within the tubular member 31. The other end 52 extends beyond the extremity of the enlarged portion and projects into the tank 34 for some distance above the bottom thereof, and spaced shoulders 53, 54 are provided on the extremity of this end 52. A float 55 is supported by the stem 49 to move in the portions 32, 33 of the filling tubes. This float is such thatit tends normally to move the valve 48 off of the seat 47 when the filling tubes are full of liquid. The extremity 50 of the stem 49 terminates short of the nozzle 45, and a guide 56 may be rovided on the stem adjacent the valve 48 or guiding the valve to its seat. An elastic member or cushion 5 7 is provided, which surrounds the stem and the valve 48 so as to contact with the seat 47. When the float 55 is lowered from the position shown in Fig. 11 to that shown in Fig. 12, the supply of li uid to the tubular portlons 31 will be shut o by means of the elastic member or cushion 57 contacting with the valve seat 47. After the liquid is thus shut off, the valve 48 may be further seated or forced against its seat in a manner and for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth, and the elastic member 57 will yield to permit this further seating of the valve.

Supported by the bottom of the tank adj acent each of-the filling tubes is a tubular member 58 (see particularly Fig. 5) one end of which projects through the bottom of the tank 34, and extends to a point above the liquid level. The tube is supported by means of the tank and for this purpose it is secured to the tank in any suitable manner. The free extremity of the tube 58 projects through one of the apertures 28 adjacent each of the filling tubes. Slidably mounted within the tube 58 and projecting below the lower extremity thereof is a rod 59, one extremity of which is secured to a yoke 60 having arms 61 which loosely surround the lower portion of the filling tube. The other extremity of the rod 59 (see particularly Fig. 8) projects above the top of the tubular member 58 and into a tubular portion 62 of a cap member, which is pro vided with a laterally extending portion 63 having a bifurcation 64 therein. This bifurcation 64 is adapted to receive the extremity of the end 52 of the stem 49, so that the shoulders 53, 54, thereon will stand one above and the other below the laterally projecting portion 63. This portion 63 is provided with an upwardly projecting shoulder or extension 65 for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth, and projecting from this cap member is an arm 66 provided with a bifurcated extremity 67 adapted to stand astride the cap member. When the shoulder 53 enof the next adjacent tube 58 and serves as a means for preventing the rotation of the cap member on th extremity of the rod 59.

The yoke 60 is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly on the filling tube and during the upward movement of the yoke the cap member is moved by the rod 59 so as to bring the laterally projecting portion 63 into engagement with the uppermost shoulder 54 on the stem 49 and thereby shift the stem longitudinally to impart an initial unseating movement to the valve 48 when the filling tube is full of liquid. After this initial movement has been imparted to the valve and the valve is partially unseated, the float 55 will cause the valve to be quickly unseated and the float will continue to rise in the filling tube until the shoulder 53 strikes the laterally projecting portion 63 of gages this member 63, the movement of the float 55 and the valve 48 will be arrested. Any suitable means may be provided for thus unseating the valve 48. A suitable and efficient means for accomplishing this result will now be described. The mechanism particularly adapted for this purpose is controlled by the can, and it will be apparent that when the can is present under the nozzle 45, the valve should be unseated to permit the can to be filled, but in the event that a can is not present under the nozzle, it is of course desirable that the valve shall not be unseated, to prevent waste of the liquid. In order, therefore, to accomplish this result, there is pivotally supported by the yoke a swinging member 68 preferably adapted to swing transversely with respect to the nozzle. An anti-friction roller .69 (see particularly Figs. 5 and 7) is provided on the end of the member 68, and this member 68 is so located and is of such a. length that the antifriction roller 69 will engage and move upon the bed plate 30. This member 68 is provided with a laterally projecting weighted arm 70, so disposed that it normally tends to swing the member 68 about its pivot to move the anti-friction roller 69 transversely of the bed plate. Arranged upon the bed plate 30 at a suitable point is a cam or raised portion 71 (see Figs. 5, 6,

7, 20 and 21.). This cam is located in the path of movement of the anti-friction roller 69 when a can 72 is present under the nozzle 45. and the arm 70 is of such a weight 20 that when a can 72 is present under the nozzle 45, it will not eject the can, but when a can is not present, it will swing the member 68 from the position shown in Fig. 5

to that shown in Fig. 7. As the can is advanced and the members 31 travel in a manner to be set forth, the member 68 will travel with the filling tubes so that the anti-friction roller will engage and move over the cam 71 when the can 72 is present. As the can advances and the roller 69 moves over the cam, the member 68 will be raised, and as this member 68 is secured to the yoke 60, and the rod 59 is secured to the yoke, the latter will be raised and this in turn will elevate the cap member so that the ortion 63 thereof will engage the shou der 55 on the extremity 52 of the stem 49 to unseat the valve 48.

In order to prevent the yoke 60 from swinging about the filling tube as an axis, the yoke is provided with a rigid arm which projects for some distance beyond the yoke so as to extend into the space between the next adjacent filling tube and the yoke thereon.

The cans 72 are advanced on the bed plate 30 in any suitable manner, preferably by means of a rotary member 74 which is provided with seats or recesses 7 5 in its periphery to receive the cans, and this member 74 is secured to the shaft 26 for rotation therewith. Motion is imparted to the shaft preferably by means 0 a gear wheel 7 6 secured thereto, and which meshes with the gear wheel 77 secured to a shaft 78, which shaft 7 8 receives its motion from a drive sha 79, to which it is connected in any suitable manner.' Thus it will be seen that when the shaft 26 is rotated the frame 27 which is secured thereto will likewise be rotated, and as the tank 34 is supported by the frame and is connected therewith for rotation therewith through the medium of the filling tubes and the tubes 58 pass respectively apertures 29 28 therein, the tank and filling tubes will be rotated in unison with the advancement of the cans.

The cans are supplied to the machine in any suitable manner, preferably by means of a run-way or chute 80 arranged in an incline with respect to the bed of the machine and this chute is arranged to discharge the cans on end upon the portion bed plate 30 (see Fig. 21). Thisportion of the bed plate is lower than the remaining portion 82 of the plate, and communicates with the high portion of the plate by means of the inclined portions 83, 84. The object in providing plate 30 is to permitthe cans provided with a small aperture 85 in the which the cans top thereof, and through in the pockets are filled, to be positioned of the advancing member 74, while on the low portion of the bed plate. ,After being thus positioned, and as the cans are advanced, they are moved up the inclined portion 83 on to the high portion 82 of the bed plate. This movement of the can will be effected as it approaches the nozzle 45, thereby causing the aperture 85 to be properly positioned, and when so powill be elevated so that the nozzle 45 will project through the aperture the rod 59 will through the filling seat the valve 48 in the manner as already After the anti-friction roller 69 has passed over the cam 71, the yoke 60 will be moved downwardly on the filling tube, so that the roller 69 will move into en agement with the high portion of the be plate. The cap member on the end of also be lowered and the valve 48 will be maintained and held in an open position by the float 55. After suflicient liquid has been discharged into the can to fill it, the valve 48 will be seated by the lowering of the float, which is effected by the lowering of the liquid in the filling tube. This operation is also effected by means of the fact that when the valve is unseated to ermit the liquid in the filling tube to pass into the can, the upper extremity of the enlarged portion 33 of the filling tube will have passed above the liquid level of the tank 34 and for this reason and in order to produce this result, the tank 34 is arrange in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal. Each of the filling tubes is of such a size as to hold 'ust suflicient liquid to fill a can and also su tain a column of liquid in the filling tube between the upper portion of float 55 and the nozzle 45 after the valve is closed, as shown more clearly in Fig. 12. This column of liquid in the filling tube acts upon the valve 48 and assists in holding the valve closed.

In order to extract the air from the cans or vessels so that the liquid will flow freely thereinto to fill them, the cap 45 is provided which rests upon the top of the can when the nozzle 45 is inserted thereinto. Then in position the recess 45 will have communication with the interior of the cam through the opening 85 in the top. Suitable exhaust mechanism embodying an exhaust ipe has communication with the recess 45 through a ber 30 in the set forth.

valve cham and which valve chamber has direct communication with the recess 45*. A spring controlled valve 80 is provided in the chamber 30 and cooperates with a valve seat 80 for cutting off communication with the recess 45. The spring 30 which seats the valve is of sufficient tension to normally seat the valve against the suction in the pipe 30 and holds the valve on its seat whenever a can is not present under the nozzle. A stem 30 profrom these passages 26.

jects from the valve and extends into the recess 15 and is of a length to project be yond the face 45 of the cap 45 when he valve 3O is seated, so that when the race @15 of the cap and the can top are brought into engagement, the end of the stem 30 will also engage the can top and the valve 30 will be unseatcd. \Vheu thus unseated, sue tion in the pipe 30 will draw the air out of the can through the opening 85, recess 43 and valve chamber 30. \Vhen the cap 15' and can are moved out of engagement with each other the valve 30 will be seated.

Projections 4-5 may be pr vided on th bottom wall of the rctcss 1 and, preferably around the nozzle 4 so twin 1* l rier for the air to cause it o .2 the recess while at the same rim-r; i .l serve to re-inforce the cap a: min There is provided one of these caps 4-5 a controlling valve 30 for each of the ti tubes 31 and a common controlling macaw nism or governor more clearly illustrated in Figs. 21 and 26 is provided. This controller preferably comprises two cooperating members 26*, 26", which are preferably arranged adjacent the member 30 and surround the shaft 26, the member 26 being secured to the shaft for rotation therewith, while the member 26 is stationary with respect to the shaft and the member 26". The member 26" is provided with a plurality of passages 26 passing therethrough, one for each or the tubes 31, and tubular extensions 26 lead A tubular flexible member 26 leads from each of the extensions 26 and has communication with one of the pipes 30 leading from the valve chamber 30 in the can 45*.

The member 26 is provided with two grooves or chambers 26'. 26 opening through the face thereof adjacent the member 26 and in such positions that when the member 26 is rotated the-passages 26 will be successively into communication with these grooves. These grooves are independent of each other and the groove 26 is somewhat longer than the other groove and is so disposed with respect to the high portion of the member 30 that when the nozzles 45 are inserted into the cans, the passages 26 which communicate with the chambers 45 of the caps 45 of the nozzles which are in the cans, will be in communication with the groove 26'. This groove being in communication with an exhaust or suction device through the medium of the pipe 26", it will be apparent that the air will be exhausted from the cans that are being filled with liquid. The groove or channel 26 has communication with the atmosphere through an opening 26 and is so arranged with respect to the low portion of the member 30, that when the cans are moved thereon, and the nozzles are withdrawn from the cans, the passages 94, and one end of the 26 which have communication with cans from which the nozzles have been withdrawn, will pass into communication with the groove or channel 26 to release the suction, as will be understood. Obviously any form of connection suitable for the purpose may be provided between the suction controller and the various chambers 30*.

The cans are tilled while they are being advanced or moved by the member 13 the high portion of the bed plate 3 1. at the time they reach the inclined port the valve 48 will be closed, and as to descends the inclined portion 8- it v:

moved away from the nozzle -15. causing the 1 latter to be withdrawn from the can. Wlll thus be seen that the cans may he til" through an opening of the minimum which is advantageous in the sealing open ation. inasmuch as it necessitates only small dr 'ip of solder to close the filling operr ing 35.

After the cans pass down the inclined portion 81. they will be ejected from the machine by means of an ejector which preferably comprises a rotatable member 86 having an annular flange 87 projecting upwardly therefrom and in which flange a plurality of spaced lateral openings 88 are pro vided. This member 86 is secured for rotation with the shaft 89 and arranged eccen-- trically upon and projecting beyond the member 86 is a shaft 90 upon which is loosely mounted a plurality of lateral arms or blades 9]. The shaft 90 may be braced in any suitable manner, preferably by means of a bracket 92, and the edges of these arms or blades 91 rest in the apertures or recesses 88. A guide 93 (see Fig. 2) is pro vided which communicates with a run-way guide projects into the path of movement of the cans 72 so that the cans will be directed into the run-Way 94. The arms or blades 91 are so arranged that the extremities thereof will pass succes siv'ely between the advancing cans, and by mounting the arms or blades eccentrically with respect to the member 86, the rotation of the member 86 will cause the arms or blades to be adjusted with respect to each other, so that as they are rotated, they will be gradually separated or moved to a greater distance from each other as the cans pass into the run-way 94. The object in thus spacing the cans is to provide means whereby the cans may be properly positioned with respect to each other so that they will be uniformly spaced farther apart as they pass into the soldering machine.

In order to force the cans 72 down the incline 84 so that the cans may be stripped 3, so to speak, from the nozzles 45, there 1s provided a flange 95 (see Figs. 1 and 2) under which the cans are adapted to pass when they reach the incline 84.

In order to prevent the liquid from dropping from the nozzle 45 when the valve 48 is closed, or to clean the nozzle after it has filled a can and to prevent a drop of liquid adhering to the nozzle, suitable mechanism is provided for removing this drop of liquid which would ordinarily form or accumulate on the end of the nozzle. This may be accomplished by giving the valve 48 a sudden blow or tap so as to force it upon its seat, and for this purpose the elastic member or cushion 57 (see Fig. 10) is provided. It will be apparent that unless some cushion is provided at this point, the valve would be seated to its full extent by the descent of the float 55, and therefore, the valve could not be operated in this manner to effect this result. In the present invention and by tapping the end of the stem 49 quickly by a heavy article, the cushion 57 will yield suilieiently to discharge this drop of liquid while at the same time the column of liquid in the tube 81 between the valve 48 and the nozzle 45 will be maintained, and the suction created by this column of liquid will still act upon the valve to hold it seated. After the drop of liquid has been discharged from the nozzle 45, the liquid will assume the position within the tube as shown in Fig. 24. This tapping of the valve for discharging the drop of liquid takes place just before the nozzle moves out of the fill opening in the can. Suitable mechanism for accomplishing this result will now be described.

Supported in any suitable manner from the main support 25 are a pair of uprights 96 which extend for any desired distance above the bottom of the tank and preferably on the outside of the tank. A connecting bar or member 97 is secured to these uprights and extends across the top of the tank (see particularly Figs. 4, 18 and 19). This connecting bar 97 is preferably provided with an aperture through which the extremities 39 of the supply pipe 38 project, and this member 97 serves as a means whereby the extremity 39 of the pipe may be supported. An arm or bracket 98 is supported by this connecting bar or member 97 and is provided with a curved extremity 99 curving in the direction of movement of the filling tubes. The connecting bar or member 97 and the bracket 98 with the extremity 99 are stationary, and the extremity 99 is so arranged that the extremities of the portions 52 of the stems 49 will pass thereunder. A roller 100 of some weight is journaled in the extremity of a link 101, and the free extremity of this link is pivotally supported as at 102 from the extremity 99 of the bracket 98. Any number of these rollers may be provided. but in the present excmplification, two are shown. one arranged slightly in advance of the other. These rollers 100 are so located that as the filling tubes are advanced, the projecting or raised portions of the cap members on the rods 59 will move into engagement with the rollers and raise the latter. The projections 65 on the cap members are so located with respect to the shoulder 54 on the end 52 of the stem 49 of the next adjacent filling tube that after the roller has been raised by the portion 65 and the other of the rollers 100 is provided in the 1 event that a drop of liquid forms on the noz zle so as to insure a clean nozzle and to prevent the drop of liquid from dropping on to the next can into which the nozzle is to project.

Any suitable means may be provided for automatically controlling the supply of cans. In the present exemplification of the invention it is designed to automatically control this supply by the liquid in the tank. In order, therefore, to accomplishthis result, suitable mechanism controlled by the float 41 is provided, and will now be described.

Mounted upon any suitable support, pref erably the bar or member 97, are a pair of cross arms 103, 104 (see articular-1y Figs. 17 and 18), which are pivo ally connected as at 105. The extremities of the adjacent faces of one extremity of these arms are inclined or beveled, as at 106, 107. An elastic memher 108 is provided, one end of which is secured to the opposite extremity of one of the arms, and is anchored by means of a suitable fastening device 109 to a suitable fixed support. These arms are pivotally supported by means of a hanger 110 adjustably mounted on the bar or member 97, and the elastic member 108 tends normally to separate the arms 103, 104 to move them from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 17 to that shown in dotted lines. A gate 111 is pivotally mounted upon a fixed support 112 and is adapted to be moved into and out of the path of movement of the cans 72 as they advance down the run-way 80. A link 113 is connected to the gate 111 and passes through a suitable guide 114. This link is provided with a shoulder 115 adapted to engage a pivoted catch 110. This catch 116 is connected in any suitable manner by means of a flexible connection, or otherwise, so as to be acted upon by the elastic member 108, and is preferably secured to the same extremity of the arm to which the elastic member is secured. This flexible member passes over a suitable pulley or guide-way 118.

The gate 111 is adapted to be held out of the path of movement of the cans by means of the catch 116 engaging the shoulder 115 so as to permit the cans to be fed, and when in this position, the elastic member 108 is located in such a manner that it will not exert its tension upon the flexible member 117 to move the catch 116 out of engagement with the shoulder 115. In order to accomplish this result, the float 41 is provided with a projection 119 which is adapted to pass between the inclined extremities 106, 107 of the arms 103, 104, when the float is raised by the liquid in the tank. In order to prevent the float from rotating, another projection 120 is provided thereon, which cooperates with the arm or projection 121 on the bar or member 97 when the projection 119 is between the arms 103, 104 .and float is raised.

When the float is in the position shown in full lines in Fig. 17, and as shown in Fig. 18, the cans may be fed down the chute 80. As the float 41 descends by means of the lowering of the level of the liquid in the tank, the projection 119 will move from between the arms 103, 104 and the elastic member 108 will exert its tension to separate the arms and move them from the position shown in full lines in Fig. 17 to that shown in dotted lines. When the arms are thus adjusted, the catch 116 will be tripped through the medium of the flexible member 118 and the link 113 will be released. Thus released, the gate 111 will fall into the path of movement of the next advancing can and will check the supply.

A suitable cover 122 may be provided for the tank, and in this cover may be arranged suitable side openings 123. If desired, light bulbs 124 may also be provided, which are supported by the cover or closure, so that thekoperator may inspect the interior of the tan In starting the machine, and after it has been thoroughly washed, the filling tubes may be primed, that is, they may be first filled with liquid before the machine is started into operation. This may be accomlished by placing one finger over the nozzle 45 and unseating the valve 48 by adjusting the stem 49 with the hand. When the filling tube is filled, the valve may be forced upon its seat by the hand, and the finger removed from the nozzle.

With this improved construction it will be apparent that all of the parts of the mechanism may be readily removed when desired, for cleaning. The cap members may be readily lifted from their seats, and the floats 55, valves 48 and stems 49 may be readily removed. The nozzles 45 may be removed, also, and after being removed, the

entire tank and filling tubes may be bodily lifted from the machine as the tubes 31 slide freely through the apertures or openings 29 in the frame 27 and the tubes 58 slide freely throu h the apertures 28.

If or any reason one of the valves 48 on the float 55 is retarded and does not gravitate or settle so as to seat the valve 48 before the tube reaches the first roller 100, suitable mechanism is provided for forcing the valve to its seat so that the roller 100 will act properly thereon. This mechanism preferably comprises an incline or cam 125 (see Figs. 9 and 19), which is arranged within the path of movement of the rojecting stem so as to be engaged by the ead 54 of the stem and as the machine advances, the cam or incline will force the valve upon its seat. This incline or cam 125 is provided with a yielding extremity 126, so as to per-- mit the valve to be moved the proper distance and also so as not to interfere with the advancing of the machine, and to permit the extension or projection 65 on the cap member to pass.

In order to force the cans 72 into the pockets 75 of the advancing member as the cans pass out of the runwav or chute 80, a pair of pivoted members 127, 128 are provided, and are mounted for movement about 5 a common pivot 129. These members 127,

128 are arranged concentric with the pockets and elastic members 130, 131 are provided whichare secured respectively by one extremity to the members 127, 128 and are 100 anchored by their other extremities to a fixed support. These elastic members tend normally to exert their tension u on the members 127, 128, so as to force t e cans into the pockets and thereby properly posi 105 tion them with respect to the nozzles 45, and providing yielding means for allowing the cans to pass the wings 75 of the members 74 without being injured thereby.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A filling apparatus embod ing a filling tube having a source of supp y of liquid, a valve within the tube and remote from the discharge end thereof, a float also within the tube and operatively connected with the 1 5 valve for controlling the latter to control the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, and means for as- 130 sisting in unseating the valve.

2. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a. source of supply of liquid, a valve within the tube and remote from the discharge end thereof, a float also within 135 the tube and operatively connected with the valve for controlling the latter to control the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open dis- 1 from Uu c, and tor maintaining a column oi liq, f 1.1; the tube between the said means tar; agar; discharge end of the tube, and

- for. in

.l column and through, i d of he tubdwlnie t e named and the supply is shut Jilumn. g ap aratus embodying a fillving a source of supply oi liquid, n l remote i'rom the delivery of tits lube for controlling the discharge of li uid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the said and the open discharge end of the tube, and means for automatically re moving a portion of the liquid from the bottom of the column and through the discharge and of the tube ,while the column is n'iaintained and the supp? y shut oil from the column.

5, A filling apparatus embodying a filling tubehaving a source of supply of liquid, means reunite from the delivery end of the tube for controlling the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the said means and the open discharge end of the tube, and means for imparting a sudden movement to the column of liquid to remove a portion of the liquid from the bottom of the column and through the discharge end of the tube while the column is -maintained and the supply is shut ofi' from the column.

6. A vfilling apparatus embodying a.filling tube having a source of supply of liquid, means remote from the delivery end of the tube for controlling the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the said means and the open discharge end of the tube, and positively actuated means for-removing a portion of the liquid from the bottom of the column and through the discharge end of the tube while the column is maintained and the supply is shut off from the column.

7. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid, means remote from the delivery end of the tube for controlling the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the said means and the open discharge end of the tube, and mechanical means for automatically imparting a sudden movement to the column of liquid from one end thereof to remove a portion of the liquid from the .'iug a portion of the liquid other end of the column and through the discharge end of the tube while the column is nmintained and the supply is shut oii' from the column,

A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat within the tube and reunite from the discharge end, a valve adapted to yioldingly engage the seat to control the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column oi liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open end, and moans for imparting a sudden movement to the valve while in engagement with its seat to discharge a port-ion of the liquid from the nozzle while the column is maintained and the supply shut off therefrom.

9. A filling apparatus'embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, avalve seat within the tube and remote from the discharge end, a valve adapted to yieldingly engage the seat to control the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open end, and automatically actuated means for imparting a sudden movement to the valve while in engagement with its seat to discharge a portion of the liquid from the nozzle while the column is maintained and the supply shut off therefrom.

10. A filling apparatus embodying a fill- "ing tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat within the tube and remote from the discharge end, a valve adapted to yieldingly engage the seat to control the discharge of liquid from the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open end, and automatically actuated means for striking the valve while in engagement with its seat to remove a portion of the column of liquid from the discharge end of the tube while the column is maintained and the supply is shut ofl from the column.

11. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve coiiperating with the seat for shutting off the supply of liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, yielding means disposed between the valve and its seat, a freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it to fall, and means operatively related to the valve and upon which the weight falls to forde the valve on its seal; against the tension of the said yielding means.

12. A filling apparatus embodying a tilling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a va ve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve cooperating with the seat for shutting off the supply of liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, yielding means disposed between the valve and its seat, a

'freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it to fall, means operatively related to the valve and upon which the weight falls to force the valve on its seat against the tension of the said yielding means, and means for unseating the valve.

13. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve cooperatin with the seat for shutting off the supply 0 liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, yielding means disposed be tween the valve and its seat, a freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it. to fall, means operatively related to the valve and upon which the weight falls to force the valve on its seat against the tension of the said yielding means, and positive means for unseating the valve.

14. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve cooperating with the seat for shutting off the supply of liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, yielding means disposed between the valve and its seat, a freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it to fall, means operatively related to the valve and upon which the weight falls to force the valve on its seat against the tension of the said yielding means, and automatically actuated means for unseating the valve.

15. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve cooperating with the seat for shutting off the supply of liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, means controlled by the height of the liquid in the tube for controlling the seating of the valve, yielding means disposed between the valve and its seat, a freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it to fall, and means operatively related to the valve and upon which the weight falls to force the valve on its seat against the tension of the said yieldin means.

16. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve cooperating with the seat for shutting off the supply of liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge end of the tube, means controlled by the height of the liquid in the tube for controlling the seating of the valve, yielding means disposed between the valve and its seat, a freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it to fall, means operatively related to the valve and upon which the weight falls to force the valve on its seat against the tension of the said yielding means, and means for unseating the valve.

17. A filling apparatus embodying a filling tube having a source of supply of liquid and an open discharge end, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge outlet, a valve cooperating with the seat for shutting off the supply of liquid to the tube and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the valve and the open discharge. end of the tube, means controlled by the height of the liquid in the tube for controlling the seating of the valve, yielding means disposed between the valve and its seat, a freely suspended weight, means for raising the weight and for permitting it to fall, means operatively related to the valve and upon which the vxeight falls to force the valve on its seat against the tension of the said yielding means, and means for unseating the valve, said valve being capable of movement away from its seat independently with respect to the said unseatin means.

18. A filling machine embodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the sup ply of liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, and means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated to compress the said yielding means.

19. A filling machine embodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the supply of liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated LO compress the said yielding means, and with respect to which the tube is movable, and means for elevating the second said means as the tube approaches the latter.

20. A filling machine embodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the supply or liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated to compress the said yielding means, and with respect to which the tube is movable, means for elevating the second said means as the tube approaches the latter, and means operatively related to the last recited means for unseating the valve.

21. A filling machine embodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the supply of liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated to compress the said yielding means, and with respect to which the tube is movable, means for elevating the second said means as the tube approaches the latter, said stem being provided with a shoulder and means operatively related to the last recited means and adapted to enage the said shoulder to unseat the valve.

22. A filling machine embodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the supply of liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated to compress the said yielding means, and with respect to which the tube is movable, means for elevating the second said means as the tube approaches the latter, said stem being provided with a shoulder and means operatively related to the last recited means and adapted to engage the said shoulder to unseat the valve, said valve and stem being capable of unseating movement independently with respect to the said unseating means.

23. A filling machine embodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the supply of liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated to compress the said yielding means, and with respect to which the tube is movable, means for elevating the second said means as the tube approaches the latter, said stem being provided with a shoulder, means operatively related to the last recited means and adapted to engage the said shoulder to unseat the valve, said valve being capable of unseating movement independently with respect to the said unseating means, and means for limiting such independent unseating movement.

24. A filling'machine embodying a filling tube provided With an open discharge end and having a source of liquid supply, a valve seat in the tube remote from the discharge end, a valve, means whereby said valve will yieldingly engage its seat to shut off the supply of liquid to the tube and maintain a column of liquid in the tube between the valve seat and the open discharge end, a float connected with the valve for controlling the valve, a valve stem, means adapted to fall upon the valve stem when the valve is seated to compress the said yielding means, and with respect to which the tube is movable, and means for elevating the second said means as the tube approaches the latter, said valve and stem being capable of unseating movement independently with respect to the. said unseating means, the said stem and last recited means being one provided with spaced shoulders and the other with a projection adapted to engage one of the shoulders to unseat the valve and to engage the other shoulder to limit the unseating move ment of the valve.

25. A filling machineembodying a filling tube provided with an open discharge end and having a source of supply of liquid, means remote from the discharge end of the tube for shutting off the supply of liquid thereto and for maintaining a column of liquid in the tube between the open discharge end and the said means, said discharge end of the tube being adapted to project into a vessel, and means controlled by the presence of the vessel for controlling the first recited means 

